Cold water submersion has got to be one of the strangest, most addicting pastimes out there. Throwing your nice warm body into freezing temperatures takes a unique kind of person and a strange mindset, and yet it is so freeing. The mental release, the endorphins, the deep comforting chill that settles in your chest…there’s little that compares to it.
Wild swimming has taken the world by storm since lockdown, and figures show that the trend is not going away – here in Stirling, we are fortunate to be based in the hub of Scotland’s most popular outdoor swimming spots. Nearby Loch Lomond is currently the number one outdoor swimming spot in the UK.
Unfortunately for a lot of us, the more popular spots are inaccessible without a car. Public transport may appear limited to reach stunning remote locations, however, this is not the case.
Here is Brig’s guide to accessing outdoor swim spots without a car, beyond the familiar locations.
Lake of Menteith
The Lake of Menteith is situated south of Callander, featuring stunning views and plenty of access to the icy cold water that makes wild swimming in Scotland so popular.
To access the Lake of Menteith, get the X10A from Stirling Goosecroft Bus Station (running every two hours) to Inchmoy, Port of Menteith. The journey takes ~37 minutes and is free with a U22 NEC.
From the Inchmoy bus stop, head south towards the loch edge and follow the loch along until you find a dunking spot with unobstructed entry to the water and minimal disruption to wildlife.
Just don’t miss the last bus back to Stirling at 18:14, or you’ll have a chilly night at a bus stop!
Scout Pools, Callander
Callander is easily accessible from Stirling, with the 59-bus running directly every hour from Stirling Goosecroft Bus Station. This scenic bus journey takes a little longer at 45 minutes.
Once you have arrived in Callander, drop by the incredible bakery to pick up a sandwich for your adventure, and follow the signs to Bracklin Falls. You should reach the bridge over the falls after about 30 minutes of walking. Keep following the path (it may be very muddy and wee) over the bridge, heading up the river for another 30 minutes until you reach another bridge. Instead of crossing, find the path to the left of the bridge – this will take you to the hidden wild swimming gem that is Scout Pools. Be warned: it is incredibly cold, fresh water here with a long walk back, so be wary of your body temperature.
Sherrifmuir Paradise Pools
A little closer to home, the Sherrifmuir Paradise Pools (also known as the ‘Devil’s Bucket’) are a tucked-away wild swimming haven in the Ochils.
You need your walking boots to reach these plunge pools, which feature a natural rock slide, but it is worth the trek.
It is a one-and-a-half to two-hour walk from the University of Stirling to reach here. Begin walking as though you are heading for Dumyat. When you reach the Dumyat car park, press on past the Dumyat turning and continue along the road. The Paradise Pools are a left turn before Cauldhame – use Google Maps or a local OS map to guide you.
There are wild swimming spots closer to Stirling University, however, they are well-trodden and widely known. Use this article to plan some more adventurous trips, however, if you’re just starting out then you can join the University of Stirling Wild Swimming Society in their weekly swims at the local Coxburn Reservoir.
Remember to leave no trace, take a hot drink, and respect your surroundings.
Feature Image Credit: Alice Pollard
Journalism student at the University of Stirling & BRAW Magazine editor 24/25 and 25/26 🙂
You can see my portfolio here: https://www.clippings.me/alicepollard
